Why Fruits and Vegetables Are Vital for Health
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Fruits and Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Variety is as vital as quantity and no single fruit or vegetable provides all the nutrients you need to be healthy.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can:
- keep appetite in check,
- reduce risk heart disease,
- Improve vision. Eating fruits and vegetables can keep your eyes healthy, and may help prevent two common aging-related eye diseases—cataracts and macular degeneration. Research shows that lutein and zeaxanthin can be protective against cataracts.
- lower the risk of digestive issues and improve gastrointestinal health. Fruits and vegetables contain indigestible or insoluble fibre. This type of fibre absorbs water and expands as it passes through the digestive system. This can calm symptoms of an irritable bowel and, by triggering regular bowel movements, can relieve or prevent constipation. The bulking and softening action of insoluble fibre also decreases pressure inside the intestinal tract and may help prevent diverticulosis.
- lower blood pressure,
- and have a positive effect upon blood sugar which can help keep it balanced.
Eating a variety of types and colours of fruits and vegetables can give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. These include dark leafy greens; brightly coloured red, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits; as well as cooked tomatoes.
- Keep fruit where you can see it. That way you’ll be more likely to eat it.
- Explore the produce aisle and choose something new. Variety is the key to a healthy diet.
- Skip the potatoes. If vegetables are the first vegetable you choose, try other vegetables that are packed with more nutrients and more slowly digested carbohydrates.
- Make it a meal. Try cooking new recipes that include more vegetables. These could be salads and stir fries for an easy and tasty way of getting vegetables onto your plate.
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